Dockers coach expects even more from his midfield stars

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has a warning for his own team and one for the competition as he prepares for tonight's match against North Melbourne at Domain Stadium.

The first, for his players, is that the Kangaroos are a far better team than their 0-4 record indicates.

The second, for the competition, is that Nat Fyfe and his other senior midfielders, lauded for their efforts in getting the Dockers over the line in the past two matches, have a lot of improvement in them yet.

Fremantle's senior midfielders Fyfe, Lachie Neale, David Mundy and Stephen Hill had 53 last-quarter possessions between them as the Dockers finished over the top against the Western Bulldogs in round three.

They kicked nine of Fremantle's 16 goals in the win over Melbourne last weekend.

Lyon said they had shown great leadership, but all could play significantly better.

"I have seen our midfield play a hell of a lot better than they are at the minute and more consistently over four quarters so I think there is real upside in what we are doing," he said.

"Neale had five possessions in the first half (against Melbourne) and played forward. Stephen Hill had the corky and really was out of the game. Nathan's effort at times has been supreme but he is far from playing his best footy."

Lyon has warned his players against complacency. North has played strong opposition in all four games and has lost thrillers to Geelong and the Western Bulldogs.

"We are squarely focused on the Kangaroos," Lyon said.

"The ledger says 0-4 but we know that they have played some very good footy. We understand we are playing a formidable opponent that has their back to the wall."

"You don't have to do much wrong in AFL football.

"Lindsay Thomas kicked to win the game (against the Bulldogs last week) and they played some pretty good football against the Cats as well.